This is a series of bite-sized conversations between two mates, Max & Dumi, focused on deconstructing and demystifying Early Buddhism. In each episode, we'll introduce a different topic in a secular and informal way, and cover how to actually apply these Buddhist concepts to real life.
Each season will be dedicated to a certain aspect of Buddhist philosophy. We will be covering concepts from scratch, so if you are new, start at the beginning!
This episode was so much fun to record. We introduce and discuss the key texts of the Buddhist canon. What they are, how they were organized, and how to read them.
(2:00) - How the teachings were passed down
(4:20) - Tripitaka (Pali Canon)
(6:45) - Pali vs Sanskrit
(8:55) - Nikayas in Sutta Pitaka
(11:00) - Format of the discourses
(11:55) - Vinaya Pitaka and the code of conduct for monks
(14:55) - When/How the teachings were written down
(15:45) - The effect of writing down the teachings, Chinese, Mahayana variations
(19:10) - Similarities to Pre-Socratic dialogues
(20:15) - Resources for reading the cannon and tips on how to read it
Resources:
https://suttacentral.net/ (https://suttacentral.net/)
https://www.accesstoinsight.org/ (https://www.accesstoinsight.org/)
In the Buddha's Words (The Teachings of the Buddha)- Book by Bhikkhu Bodhi
8 Nov 2022
Is Buddhism Atheistic?
In this episode, we discuss the idea of God. Is Buddhism really Atheistic? We discuss what a “religion” actually is, we look at the Problem of Evil presented by the Buddha and look at Early Buddhist cosmology. We debate if “atheist” is an appropriate term to describe Buddhism and look at the ideas of more learned people in the field such as Stephen Batchelor and Bob Thurman who prefers terms such as anti-theist, non-monotheist, non-creator-theist, etc.
(00:49) - What is a religion?
(2:40) - Theistic vs polytheistic vs atheistic
(4:00) - The Problem of evil
(5:10) - Buddhist idea on what Gods are
(5:35) - Bob Thurman's views - non-mono-theist, non-atheist, non-creator-theist
(8:00) - Humanism and Buddhism
(9:35) - Greek ideas of Gods
(10:45) - Shinto ideas
(16:55) - Buddhist cosmology and mysticism
(21:40) - Wait, is Buddhism theistic?
Sources, References and further reading:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOQiZbAPtW4
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9eM36vdkZE
- https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/was-buddha-atheist/
- https://americanhumanist.org/what-is-humanism/definition-of-humanism/
- https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/6957758-confession-of-a-buddhist-atheist
- http://www.unm.edu/~rhayes/atheism.pdf
18 Dec 2021
Is Buddhism a Philosophy?
In this episode, we discuss why Buddhism maybe not be a religion (or why it is more of a philosophy)
(1:00) - How Dhamma (dharma) can be realised by anyone
(2:00) - Who is a Pacceka Buddha (pratyekabuddha)?
(3:00) - Seneca's take on the Sage/Wise man
(5:00) - Difference between a Buddha and an Arahant
(7:45) - Obtaining enlightenment through personal experience
(8:00) - Why early Buddhism is not mystical
(10:45) - Why Buddhism can be utilised by anyone
(12:50) - Philosophical schools vs Buddhist Monasteries
(13:45) - East's interaction with the West
4 Nov 2021
Schools of Buddhism
In this episode, we break down the different schools of Buddhist thought that have appeared through time in different regions of the world.
(0:50) Geographical spread of Buddhism
(2:35) What is Theravada Buddhism?
(3:15) The history of the Buddhist texts - can we trust them?
(7:05) Theravada continued, the life of monks, and Max's experience in Thailand
(12:30) What is Mahayana Buddhism?
(14:05) Zen Buddhism, Satori, Sunyata, and Koans
(20:30) Who is the Laughing Buddha?
(23:25) Difference between Mahayana and Theravada (Hinayana)
(26:20) Vajrayana Buddhism and the Dalai Lama
(30:00) How the West found different types of Buddhism over time
27 Oct 2021
(Mis)conceptions of Buddhism
In our first episode, we dive into what our perceptions are when we think of Buddhism. We clarify any misconceptions and give a general context to Buddhist philosophy.
(00:00) - Intro to the episode and upcoming season
(01:00) - Max's impression of Buddhism
(04:30) - Common misconceptions of Buddhism
(08:37) - Who/What is "The Buddha"
(13:00) - Different types of Buddhism
(16:00) - Historical Indian context
(18:30) - Buddhist words and pronunciations
- Max & Dumi
18 Oct 2021
Welcome to Two Blokes Chat Buddhism
Hi, it's Max & Dumi. In this trailer episode, we introduce ourselves and give you a rundown of the podcast structure, and what to expect in the coming episodes.
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